Hometown Healing. Jennifer Slattery

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СКАЧАТЬ thanks to a string of cheesy productions put on by the former manager. Bad scripts could drive a dinner theater into the ground. Plus they’d cut corners on the menu, when she had lacked the funds to buy quality ingredients.

      “We just need to figure out a way to turn things around,” he said. According to Dad, a smart man would’ve followed his advice and finished his law degree. Joined the firm, like Jed had been groomed to do. But Grandma had needed him. Still did.

      “You think your Western idea will help?”

      “Hope so.” It’d either save the place or shut it down for good. “You saw the estimates I forwarded you?”

      “I did. That’s some chunk of change.”

      The last thing he wanted to do was sink more money into that place, but what choice did they have?

      She opened the oven, and the scent of chocolate wafted toward him.

      “No hard feelings intended—” he sat at the breakfast bar “—but I don’t feel our production’s unique enough to draw folks in.” The truth was that their show was cliché. A fancy inn with a butler, maid, waitstaff and guests.

      “I get that.”

      “By turning our place into something rustic, uniquely Texas, we can separate ourselves from the pack. And hit the tourist market.” If he could tap into some of the area’s Texas pride, the business might just take off. Assuming he could transform the place on their tight budget.

      She gave a brisk nod, keeping her mouth firm. “It’s time we make a change, because we for sure know what we’re doing now isn’t working.”

      “We’ll have to shut the theater down during the remodel.”

      “When does Drake think he can start?”

      “Hopefully within the next few days.”

      “Good.” She angled her head and drummed her fingers on the counter. “Wild West Murder Mystery. This just might work.”

      “You don’t know any scriptwriters, do you?”

      “You can’t find one online like we always have?”

      “Haven’t found any that fit my idea yet, at least none that are any good.” And they were short on time.

      “Hmm...” She tapped a finger against her chin, then smiled. “Matter of fact, bet you Marilyn’s daughter could help us out. I told you she and her little one were coming for a visit, right?”

      “Nope.”

      The twinkle in her eye said she’d withheld that tidbit intentionally. Why? Was she worried he’d try to avoid her if he knew? Or that he’d chase after her and maybe hurt her more than she already was?

      His grandma had said Paige’s divorce had hit her pretty hard.

      He grabbed a candy from a dish on the counter. “But I figured that out quick enough when I saw her sitting in her car in her mama’s driveway.”

      “She’s here already? Oh, how wonderful.” Grandma scurried to the pantry and brought out flour and sugar. “You remember she’s a writer?”

      He nodded. She’d always said she wanted to be a journalist someday. Had even submitted a few things to the school paper. But there was a big difference between news stories and script writing. Not to mention, she’d seemed to cart quite the grudge back into town. He wasn’t so sure she’d lift a finger—or pen—to help him.

      Though, she just might help Grandma...

      He popped another candy into his mouth. “Doubt she’d be interested. We can’t pay much. Plus we need something pretty quick.”

      Grandma pulled what appeared to be her last baking dish out of the cupboard. “Well, at least talk to Paige. It never hurts to ask.”

      “I guess.” She was as apt to take the job as a heifer was to eat moldy grain.

      “And bring her a nice fresh plate of cookies while you’re at it. To welcome her home. Matter of fact, I’ll come with you. Soon as I’m done baking these snickerdoodles. Those always were her favorite, you know.”

      He did. He knew almost everything about her. At least, he had, back in high school. But it’d been fourteen years. She’d probably changed a lot since then.

      He had half a notion to find out just how much.

       Chapter Two

      Paige deposited her suitcase on the entryway floor, blinking as her eyes adjusted to the dim lighting in her mother’s home. The place smelled like eucalyptus and peppermint.

      “I’m so glad you’re here.” Mom rose to meet them and instantly took Ava from Paige’s arms. She gave her a squeeze, then blew raspberries into her neck, producing a high-pitched squeal. “A child needs to be near her grandma. Why, she’s almost three years old, and I could count on one hand the number of times I’ve seen y’all.”

      Paige studied her. “How are you?” She’d dyed her hair nearly black, but two inches of gray roots showed. She’d lost weight, giving her face a pale, sunken appearance, and dark circles shadowed her golden eyes. “Stacy says you’re not sleeping?” Her sister had also told her the doctor indicated most of Mom’s health issues were most likely psychosomatic. What did that mean exactly, and how could Paige best help her? Or, at the very least, not make things worse?

      Mom waved a hand and shifted Ava to her other hip. “That’s the least of my problems.” Moving into the living room, she stepped over a box of papers on her way to her recliner. “The good Lord knows I’ve got plenty of other things to tackle, like my chest pains and breathing issues.”

      She grimaced and sucked in a series of quick, shallow breaths. “Been to more doctors than I can count, and not a one of ’em can figure out what’s ailing me. Some days I’m so tired, it’s all I can do to pull this aching body out of bed.”

      She sat and bounced Ava on her knee. “But enough about my health woes. Your uncle Ken called. To check on how you’re feeling about leaving Chicago, I suspect.”

      “I’ll call him later.”

      “He said he was heading out for a business trip but would call you next week sometime.” She eyed Paige’s things. “That all you brought?”

      “I’ll unload the rest later.” When she was certain Jed wasn’t around. Obviously she couldn’t avoid him forever, not with his grandmother living next door. But she could delay their next encounter, at least until she had a better handle on her feelings.

      After fourteen years, she was starting to wonder if that day would ever come. She’d expected to feel awkward seeing him again. But she hadn’t anticipated how raw her emotions would be.

      Then again, she’d been through a lot over the past year and a half, first with the divorce, and now losing her job and having to move... Her СКАЧАТЬ